Horse camping opportunities near Casa, Arkansas provide direct access to forest service trails throughout the Ozark National Forest. Located in an area with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet, these campgrounds experience mild springs and falls with summer temperatures typically reaching the upper 80s. Trail systems connect through diverse terrain with rocky outcroppings, stream crossings, and hardwood forests typical of the Interior Highlands region.
What to do
Trail riding excursions: Most riders at Mount Magazine State Park Campground explore the surrounding forest roads that connect to broader trail networks. "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain," notes reviewer Gary F., adding that the park offers "about 15 miles of hiking trails" that could be suitable for day rides in certain sections.
Fishing opportunities: Small lakes and ponds near equestrian campsites provide fishing breaks between trail rides. According to one camper at Erwin Estate High Point, "Our natural spring pond is a place to fish where it's an almost guaranteed catch as we have stocked it well!" The same reviewer mentions "Nearby river and lake fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking 3-15 miles away."
Wildlife viewing: The forest areas surrounding Casa's horse camps offer abundant wildlife observation opportunities. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, one visitor noted the natural soundscape: "The birds and frogs sang all evening." Another reviewer mentioned, "Peaceful and quiet," highlighting the undisturbed nature experience available near water features.
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams and small waterfalls enhance the riding experience near Casa. At Woolly Hollow State Park, Amy W. enjoyed the lakeside setting: "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit." The park also features "a pour-off waterfall during the wet season when the lake is high."
Forest connectivity: The network of trails allows riders to connect multiple routes for customized day trips. Reviewer Fred S. noted that Bear Creek Horse Camp serves as "a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers."
Vault toilet maintenance: Despite the primitive nature of horse camps, toilet facilities receive regular attention. At Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, riders appreciate the basic amenities, while Fred S. noted that Bear Creek Horse Camp has "a very clean vault toilet located at the rear of the camp; it was well supplied," indicating consistent maintenance even in remote locations.
What you should know
Trail conditions: Forest service roads connecting to horse trails can have seasonal erosion issues. The reviewer at Bear Creek Horse Camp observed "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road" but noted that "FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit."
Water availability: No potable water exists at the horse camps, requiring riders to bring their own. At Macks Pines, which offers more amenities than the forest service horse camps, visitors still recommend preparation: "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. One visitor to Macks Pines reported "No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area, had to download a map that was essentially a PDF to get around." This contrasts with more elevated sites where reception improves.
Tips for camping with families
Select camps with flat terrain: Look for sites with sufficient level ground for both camping and horse containment. Fred S. noted that at Bear Creek Horse Camp, "Tent and hammock camping are possible," though the sites themselves were "not aesthetically pleasing."
Consider alternative accommodations: For families wanting more amenities between trail days, Camp Conway RV Park offers more developed facilities relatively close by. One visitor described it as "quiet with excellent bird-watching. Must have seen 12 bird varieties thriving in the park. Convenient to Conway and even Little Rock."
Pack all necessary supplies: The remote nature of horse camps requires comprehensive packing. According to Amy & Stu B. at Macks Pines, travelers should prepare for limited services: "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive."
Tips from RVers
Road grade considerations: Access to some camping areas requires navigating steep grades. As Gary F. observed at Mount Magazine State Park, "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet," with challenging access roads to certain areas.
Site selection for trailers: When traveling with horses and RVs, prioritize camps with adequate space. Fred S. noted that Bear Creek Horse Camp has "Four sites (2 official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus 2 dispersed sites with rock fire rings), available on a first-come/first-based only."
Power options: Limited electrical services exist at horse camps, requiring self-sufficiency. The Bear Creek Horse Camp reviewer mentioned "The camp itself is not aesthetically pleasing, but it is located deep in a beautiful forest with easy access to a trail system," emphasizing the tradeoff between amenities and trail access.
